David Klimchuk - Aikido

Published in 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. 29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010 Copyright 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer. First Edition Editor: Greg Roza Book Design: Reann Nye Photo Credits: Series art Reinhold Leitner/ MoMo Productions/DigitalVision/ Getty Images. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Klimchuk, David, author.

Title: Aikido / David Klimchuk. Description: New York: PowerKids Press, [2020] | Series: Enter the dojo! martial arts for kids | Includes index. Identifiers: LCCN 2019017339| ISBN 9781725309982 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781725310001 (library bound) | ISBN 9781725309999 (6 pack) Subjects: LCSH: Aikido--Juvenile literature. Classification: LCC GV1114.35 .K57 2020 | DDC 796.815/4--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019017339 Manufactured in the United States of America The activities discussed and displayed in this book can cause serious injury when attempted by someone who is untrained in the martial arts. Never try to replicate the techniques in this book without the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor. CPSIA Compliance Information: Batch #CWPK20.

For Further Information contact Rosen Publishing, New York, New York at 1-800-237-9932. CONTENTS What Is Aikido? Aikido is a martial art that focuses on using the energy and movement of your energy in yourself. The goal of aikido is to create peace and harmony in yourself and in the world! The word aikido is broken down into three Japanese words: ai meaning harmony, ki meaning energy, and do meaning the way. Kiai! Many aikido and develops the students understanding of distance. Aikido can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities. The History of Aikido Aikido is heavily .

Ueshiba is often referred to as Osensei or great teacher. His picture hangs in all aikido schools. Kiai! Ueshiba was more than just the founder of aikido. Throughout his life, he was known for standing up for the rights of lowincome workers. He also taught that farming and martial arts were connected. MORIHEI UESHIBA Morihei Ueshiba practiced and taught aikido up until a month before his death at age 85.

Ueshiba wanted to create a style of martial art that was less martial art that includes very few attacks. Who Does Aikido? Those who practice aikido are known as aikidoka. Aikidoka practice aikido in schools called dojos. These individuals commit to practice of the principles created by Ueshiba. Due to aikido being less focused on strikes and colorful fight scenes, this art is featured far less in movies and television than other more well-known arts such as kung fu or karate. The most well-known aikidoka in the United States is Steven Seagal.

He starred in Above the Law, which is the first American movie to include an aikido fight scene. American aikidoka Terry Dobson studied with Ueshiba and helped spread the popularity of aikido in the United States. Steven Seagal has taught aikido all around the world. He is also a musician, actor, and police officer. In the Dojo When practicing aikido in the dojo, students are expected to wear a gi, sometimes called an aikidogi or keikogi. Some dojos will loan first-time students a gi, but if you plan to continue your training, its best to buy your own.

You are expected to bow as a sign of respect every time you enter or leave the dojo practice area. The first thing you see when you enter the dojo is the shomen, which means front in Japanese. Here you will find a picture of Ueshiba and occasionally a picture of another aikidoka that your particular dojo finds important. Kiai! is very important in aikido studios. For example, seasoned students and instructors may find it rude or offensive if you turn your back to the shomen or leave your bags near or along the front wall of the studio. Students wearing aikido gis sit in seiza, or a seated position, before starting class.

Starting Class Always try to get to your aikido class early so you can warm up. As class begins, students often sit in seiza in front of the instructor. When sitting in seiza, you are encouraged to relax and feel your worries drift away. When the instructor arrives, the class stands up. The instructor and the students bow to the shomen, clap twice, bow again, then bow to each other. This act of respect happens at the beginning and end of each class.

During an aikido class, students are never just sitting or standing around! You are expected to be either exercising, practicing , or listening to the instructor. Before starting each class, students and instructors bow to a picture of Morihei Ueshiba located at the front of the dojo. During Class All aikido classes begin with stretches led by either the instructor or an advanced student. These stretches are called aikitaiso and last about 15 minutes. Warming up also includes general exercises, such as sit-ups and pushups. During the warm-up period, students are expected to count to 10 in Japanese together.

Kiai! Tori means active partner, or the person practicing a technique. Uke means the receiver of the technique, or the person who allows the tori to practice an aikido technique. Aikidoka spend many hours learning how to fall and roll safely. These skills not only help your practice partner, but also help you better understand the flow of techniques. Most of class is spent learning and practicing techniques. For beginners, students practice falling and rolling.

The instructor will show the proper form and then students break into pairs to train. The student practicing the technique is called the tori, while the student attacking is known as the uke. Joint Locks Aikido techniques are usually broken down into two kinds: joint locks and throws. A joint lock occurs when a joint is forced into a position that is uncomfortable or painful. The first joint lock students learn is called ikkyo. Like most aikido techniques, it has many .

Ikkyo is a defense against an attacker who grabs your wrist. The first step is to guide your opponents hand up, and move them off their center of balance. Use the other hand to grab and lift their elbow while stepping toward them. This movement places pressure on the attackers elbow joint, making it easier to throw them to the ground. Kiai! Centering is a fundamental principle in aikido. Its important to keep your center of balance so you can stay firmly on your feet.